A sports training apparatus

ABSTRACT

A training apparatus for use in training a sportsperson, the apparatus comprising: a pair of elongate rails defining a training space therebetween; at least one support structure engaged with the pair of elongate rails and slidable along the rails in both directions towards the sportsperson in use and away from the sportsperson in use through the training space; the support structure comprising a support beam extending upwardly from the support structure; and a simulated opponent attached to the support beam for the sportsperson to engage with in use, the simulated opponent movable along the rails at least upon force being applied by the sportsperson in use.

This document claims priority from AU2020904339 the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sports training apparatus for training a sportsperson. In an embodiment the sports training apparatus can be for a sportsperson practising a martial art. However, the apparatus is not so limited and has application in other sports such as football, including rugby. In some embodiments, the apparatus can be used for remediation of a sports person that has been injured or otherwise requires re-training.

BACKGROUND

To be a good at a sport typically requires practice. Most sportsmen enjoy the practice of their sport since the practice requires physical exertion (cardiovascular and musculature) which improves strength, tone and or fitness alongside skill. Some sports require multiple people to be involved. For example, some games such as football and rugby are played in teams. Other sports require only two participants at a time from which there is usually one winner. Sports which require two participants at a time include e.g. martial arts.

Martial arts are sports with rules and sometimes traditions that must be learned by each participant. Training in martial arts can take many years and requires a multidisciplinary approach including not only how to attack an opponent but how to properly defend. Self-defence in martial arts can involve using your body as leverage and can include developing your reactions to the movement of an opponent. Boxing can be considered a martial art and involves both attack (punching) and defence (guarding, bobbing, weaving, etc)

There are numerous training devices for sportspersons involved in martial arts including boxing. Some of the training involves an actual person holding focus mitts onto which blows can be landed safely. A problem with a using a person as a training partner is that they might not always be available. Furthermore, that person has to give up their time when it could be otherwise spent undertaking their own training. An alternative to using a person is to use a punch bag or a mannequin sometime referred to as a Bob (Body Simulated opponent (BOB)). A Bob can be a heavy bag filled with e.g. grains, sand or rags. Alternatively, the Bob can comprise a moulded mannequin having a head, neck and torso with a reasonably life-like outline of muscle sometimes even including the Adam's apple. The punching bag or moulded torso can typically take repeated and constant physical abuse without breaking.

A problem with known Bob devices is that they do not react like real opponents. The Bob might be substantially stationary, although depending on how it is mounted there can be some swing (if they are held from above) and or some bounce-back if they are spring mounted from below. Most sportsmen are keen for new ways to improve their sports skills in a more realistic environment which might make them better when engaged in the actual playing of their sport. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved sports training device, or a training device that might provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A training apparatus for use in training a sportsperson, the apparatus comprising:

-   -   a pair of elongate rails defining a training space therebetween;     -   at least one support structure engaged with the pair of elongate         rails and slidable along the rails in both directions towards         the sportsperson in use and away from the sportsperson in use         through the training space;     -   the support structure comprising a support beam extending         upwardly from the support structure; and     -   a simulated opponent (punchbag/mannequin) attached to the         support post for the sportsperson to engage with in use, the         simulated opponent movable along the rails at least upon force         being applied by the sportsperson in use.

The training apparatus of embodiments of the present invention can provide a more realistic training environment for the sportsperson. When the sportsperson applies force to the simulated opponent, the simulated opponent body can move away from the sportsperson, just as an opponent would in real life. However, because the simulated opponent can slide along the rails in both directions, the simulated opponent can also slide towards the sportsperson as if the simulated opponent was moving forward in an offensive manoeuvre. This can give the sportsperson the impression that they are both attacking and defending and can simulate real reactions and generate more realistic responses. In some embodiments, when the sportsperson is training in boxing, the training apparatus can mean that the sportsperson is less likely to develop bad habits during training. An example of a bad habit is referred to as “sitting on punches”. This habit is a consequence of the sportsperson throwing a punch and then allowing their weight to sink into their feet rather than remaining up and agile on the balls of their feet. In an environment where a simulated opponent slides away and then towards a user following a thrown punch, optimum footwork needs to be maintained. If the sportsperson is not using good footwork technique, there is a risk the sportsperson will be knocked over or caught off guard. This risk may allow them to learn to be continually vigilant when using embodiments of the present apparatus and bad habits may be more difficult to develop.

The training apparatus can be used to coach, train, rehabilitate and or teach a sportsperson how to engage or reengage in a relevant sport. A coach can demonstrate a move using the apparatus that the sportsperson can subsequently mimic or improve upon. Alternatively, the sportsperson can try out new move(s) and ask for feedback or keep practising until they feel they have mastered a move. While a sportsperson is referred to, it should be understood that the sportsperson is any user of the apparatus and need not have any experience in sports. The sportsperson could be an adult or a child. The sportsperson can be physically fit and might be using the apparatus for skills training and or exercise. The sportsperson could be injured and might be using the apparatus for rehabilitation.

The apparatus comprises a pair of elongate rails defining a training space therebetween. The training space is an area into which the sportsperson can move during engagement with the apparatus. It may be important that the training space is free from obstruction to ensure that the user avoids colliding with anything when focused on attack and defence, action and reaction, during use. In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a single rail onto which the support structure is located. However, in this embodiment, when the simulated opponent mounted on the support structure moves away from the sportsperson by sliding along the rail (following applied force), the rail is exposed and the sportsperson is put at risk of colliding with the rail. The rail may be solid metal with sharp edges and collision with the rail could result in a significant injury. In an embodiment in which there is a single rail, optionally, the sportsperson could stand to the side of the simulated opponent (to the side of the rail) and engage with the simulated opponent at that side to ensure there is no collision. However, this is not typically how one would realistically engage with a competitor. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, there are two rails, spaced apart from one another, with a space defined therebetween. The rails can be spaced apart in a range of at least about 1 2, 3, 4, or 5 meters about, such as about 1.1 to 1.6 meters. In an embodiment, the rails are spaced apart just wider than a standard gymnasium mat (i.e. about 1.4 m). An impact absorbing gymnasium mat can thus be located into the training space between the rails. The rails can be arranged to be substantially parallel to one another.

In order to provide sliding movement along the rail, each rail can be associated with a carriage onto which items can be mounted. The carriage can comprise more than one carriage part. The carriage can be designed to work with the rail to provide optimum movement with as little friction as possible. A friction reducing material such as a grease can be applied to the rail to further reduce friction during movement of the carriage. A known carriage and rail coupling can be utilised. In an embodiment, the rail has a substantially circular cross section. The corresponding carriage can have a mount that fits around a substantially circular cross section of rail. Each carriage can be coupled with a bar that slides with the carriage in use. The bar can provide an increased flat surface on to which other structures can be attached.

At least one support structure can be engaged with the pair of elongate rails. The support structure may straddle the rails so that upon movement of the respective carriages along each rail part, the support structure is also movable. The support structure can be attached directly to the carriage that slides along the rail, or to the bar that is coupled with the carriage. A first bar supported by the first rail of the pair of rails can be connected to a second bar supported by the second rail of the pair of rails. The connection between the first and second bars can be by any means including wires, taut ropes, webbing, mesh, flat plate, grid, transverse support rods, transverse beam(s) or joists. For the purposes of the present description, the connection herein will be referred to as one or more joists. Once the first and second bars are connected by the one or more joists, the whole structure moves along the rails. It should be understood that provided at least some of the first and second bar is mounted on the respective rail, as the support structure moves along the rails a part of the first and second bar could be extended off the rail and not supported in use. The area where the bars will extend past the rails could be marked out as training area on the floor so the sportsperson knows where the support structure will move. Although, in use, the sportsperson will quickly learn how the structure moves and where it moves.

Typically, the simulated opponent should be arranged on the support structure at about the height of the sportsperson. This will provide the most realistic simulation of an opponent. In most two person sports, competitors are matched with one another according to weight and this generally correlates to height. If the simulated opponent is arranged too low, the sportsperson will be making movements that are unnatural or awkward. If the simulated opponent is located too high up, the sportsperson will be reaching and possibly missing the simulated opponent. In some embodiments, however, it may be desirable to have the simulated opponent higher or lower with respect to the sportsperson. For example, the sportsperson might be about to compete against a very tall opponent, and they may wish to practice their technique on a simulation of someone of tall stature.

A support beam can be provided connected with the joists and extending upwardly with respect to the joists. The support beam extending upwardly from the support structure is intended to allow for mounting of the simulated opponent. The mounting may be adjustable for the reasons outlined above.

For simulated opponent bodies mounted from below, the upwardly extending support beam can comprise a first and second beam. The first beam can be connected with the joists but arranged substantially parallel with the elongate rail portions. A first beam in a parallel configuration with the rails may be advantageous to absorb impacts from the simulated opponent it will support. The first beam does not have to be substantially parallel with the elongate rails and can be at any angle. The first beam can have a first end towards rear of the apparatus and a second end towards the front of the apparatus, the second end being the end closest to the sportsperson in use. The second beam can be arranged/attached at the second end of the first beam. The second beam can be perpendicular to the first beam. The second beam perpendicular to the first beam can have bracing to provide additional reinforcement for impact. The second beam can have a mount onto which the simulated opponent can be mounted. The mount can comprise a spring that allows the simulated opponent to have some bounce back when impact is applied to it.

For opponent bodies mounted from above, the support beam can comprise a first beam connected with the joists and also arranged substantially parallel with the elongate rail portions. The first beam can have a first end at towards rear of the apparatus and a second end towards the front of the apparatus, the second end being the end closest to the sportsperson in use. Optionally a second beam can be arranged/attached at the second end of the first beam. The second beam if present can be perpendicular to the first beam. The second beam perpendicular to the first beam can have bracing to provide additional reinforcement. A third beam can be arranged/attached to the first end of the first beam. The third beam can also be supported by the second beam if it is present. If the second beam is not present, the third beam can be supported by additional bracing beams. The third beam can be disposed at an angle from the first end of the first beam in the direction towards the sportsperson in use. The third beam can be at an angle such as a 45 degree angle, with its weight supported by the first and second beams/bracing beams once it is located in position. A free end of the third beam remote from the attachment point to the first beam can be used to suspend the simulated opponent. The hanging point for the simulated opponent may allow for e.g. a punching bag to move freely and swing when impact is applied.

The third beam can be in one whole part. The third beam can be provided in two or more parts hingedly connected with one another. When the third beam is required for use, the beam can be unfolded about the hinge(s) into the fully extended position. The hinged folding of the third beam can be an advantage for storage of the apparatus when not in use.

In an embodiment, the first beam is pivotable about the first end. This can be useful where the elevation of the simulated opponent is required to be adjustable. By pivoting about a pivot point at the first end, the simulated opponent can be raised or lowered as required and then locked into position. In an embodiment, the first end of the first beam is pivotable to the extent that the vertical height of the simulated opponent is movable by at least about 400 or 500 mm in range. In some embodiments, in which the simulated opponent is a punching bag, in addition to being movable with respect to the first beam, the bag may also be compactible to change the overall height of the area available for punching. The first beam can also be telescopic which can allow for some adjustability in the distance that the simulated opponent extend forward of the rails. A telescopic first beam also provides for some advantages in storage since the beam can be reduced in size when the apparatus is not being used. In an embodiment, the first beam is also tiltable to adjust the angle at which the simulated opponent is mounted. Typically, the simulated opponent is vertical (0 degrees). However, the tilt can allow for a 10 to 15 degree tilt from vertical. The angle can be adjusted and fixed to provide an unusual position of the simulated opponent that the sportsperson can spa with. Alternatively, the simulated opponent can tilt about the 10 or 15 degrees upon being struck, which provides for a ducking and weaving motion in the simulated opponent.

The simulated opponent can be any item that can withstand force in use. The simulated opponent is a sports impact modular system (SIMS) comprising an item that can withstand applied force. The simulated opponent can be a punchbag. The simulated opponent can be a series of focus mitts arranged on a stand. The simulated opponent can be a mannequin. The simulated opponent can be rubberised. The simulated opponent can be filled with e.g. grains, sand or rags.

The simulated opponent can comprise a moulded mannequin having a head, neck and torso with a reasonably life-like outline of muscle sometimes even including the Adam's apple. The punching bag or moulded torso can, in embodiments, take repeated and constant physical abuse without breaking.

In an upright position, when the simulated opponent is mounted from below, the sportsperson can punch and kick the simulated opponent or otherwise apply force to it. Upon the application of force, the simulated opponent will move, in the direction of the applied force which is typically away from the sportsperson. The simulated opponent will start to move, the mount for the simulated opponent will start to move, the second beam will start to move, the first beam will start to move, the joists will start to move and then any bars mounted by carriages to the elongate rails will start to move. The consequence of applied force to the simulated opponent is that the carriages will slide along the rails. What the sportsperson experiences is that upon application of force, the simulated opponent moves away from them.

Once the apparatus has slid away from the sportsperson, they can grab the apparatus (optionally grab the simulated opponent) and pull it back towards themselves to start the process over. In some instances, there will be some bounce back of the apparatus once it reaches the terminal point at the end of the elongate rails, it will naturally slide back towards the sportsperson. Impact absorbers or shock absorbers can be provided at a terminus of the elongate rails so that upon reaching them, the support structure mounted on the rails can collide with them under force, but that force is mitigated and transferred into a bouncing energy. These dampeners or breakers can be adapted to absorb the applied force. In an embodiment, there could be opposing magnets provided at the terminal points, which stop the parts of the apparatus from colliding, and which instead provide an instance bounce back as the parts move towards one another under force. The apparatus can slide in the range of from about 0.5 meter to 1 meter (starting point being the location of the sportsperson) along the rails before it reaches its end point and cannot slide any further. However, the rails can be of any length. In some embodiments, the rail length is 2, 4, 6 or 8 metres. In an embodiment, the rails are at least about 2.4 m in length.

Upon application of force from the sportsperson the support structure is movable along the rails from a first position closest to the sportsperson to a second position away from the sportsperson. In some embodiments, the support structure is biased to return to the first position. The bias can be provided by any means that causes the support structure to slide back along the rails to the first position. In an embodiment, the bias is provided by an elastic tether. The elastic tether can be attached towards the rear of the support structure and towards the front of the rail or rails. The tether can be on the outside of the structure. The tether can be arranged on the inside of the structure. Upon application of force by the sportsperson, the elastic tether is elongated and under stress as the tether stretches. As the stressed elastic forces are released, the tether returns to its original length and as it does so it pulls the support structure back along the rails and towards the sportsperson. In use, this can provide a bounce of the entire structure that brings the simulated opponent back towards the sportsperson providing a realistic experience. Furthermore, there is some resistance against the tether when the sportsperson engages with the simulated opponent that further provides a more realistic feeling of engagement. The strength of the tether can be modified according to the size, weight and skill of the sportsperson. A very heavy strong sportsperson may be able to cope with a very tight elastic tether that requires relatively high forces in order to move the simulated opponent away from them, but which springs that opponent back quickly and fiercely. The strength of the tether could be modified by changing either or both of the type of elastic material or the length.

In some embodiments the sportsperson can be attached to the simulated opponent by a tether. As the simulated opponent slides away from the sportsperson, there can be a stop instigated by the tether. Upon stopping, the simulated opponent may jolt and start sliding back towards the sportsperson. The tether length can be adjustable. A longer tether will allow the simulated opponent to slide further away from the sportsperson. A shorter tether will cause the simulated opponent to quickly return to the sportsperson after a short slide away. The tether can be elastic to reduce or minimise any discomfort felt by the sportsperson due to the forces applied. The tether can be attached to the sportspersons around e.g. their waist or upper body.

To further simulate movement of the simulated opponent, the sportsperson can be attached to the apparatus. A pulley rope can extend around at least a part of the outside perimeter of the apparatus and then be attached to the sportsperson. With a fixed length of rope, the pulley system can be such that upon the sportsperson moving away from the simulated opponent in the training area (e.g. backing off after a punch), the apparatus is forced to move back towards the sportsperson to reset at the starting position. This arrangement can be useful for causing the opponent body to return towards the sportsperson following an impact and can increase the realism of the training experience. It can also reduce the burden on the sportsperson to reset the simulated opponent to the starting position for sliding, and so may reduce interruption to the training regime.

When the simulated opponent is in an upright position, the simulated opponent can be used for punching and kicking simulation. In some embodiments, the simulated opponent mounted from below can be pivotable from a first position to a second position. The first position can be an upright position and the second position can be a laying down position. When the simulated opponent is in the laying down position, the simulated opponent can be used to simulate how to scrummage with another person. A scrummage is a method of restarting play in rugby football that involves players packing closely together with their heads down and attempting to gain possession of the ball. A sportspersons shoulder engages with another shoulder and the two bodies push together. The training apparatus can therefore for useful for teaching, improving, coaching and or training a sportsperson how to scrummage correctly.

In use, the simulated opponent is set to a starting position. The starting position can be the frontmost location on the apparatus where the opponent body has full movement to slide along the elongate rails. The sportsperson makes sure that the training area is clear and optionally attaches themselves to the opponent body with a tether. The sportsperson then kicks and or punches the opponent body or otherwise applies force. The apparatus will immediately be caused to activate with the opponent body caused to slide along the elongate rails away from the sportsperson. The sportsperson can continue to engage with the opponent body for as long as they wish until their training period is over.

In an embodiment, the third beam of the apparatus is used to hang the simulated opponent. In embodiments in which the simulated opponent is hanging, the second beam may not be supporting any simulated opponent, since it may not be required. In an alternative embodiment, the sportsperson or other user can be hanging from the third beam, and the second beam can be supporting a simulated opponent. The sportsperson is then able to access the simulated opponent while hanging from the third beam. One reason for hanging a sportsperson from the third beam may be because they are unable to stand without support. The inability to stand may be due to an injury or a more permanent disability that affects the use of the legs. The sports person can wear a harness that is connected with ropes or wires to the third beam. The harness can allow the sportsperson to stand while suspended from above. The sportsperson can then engage with the simulated opponent in the usual way. In some embodiments, by taking the weight off the sportspersons leg (fully or partially) a leg injury can be accommodated for without losing valuable training time.

In embodiments in which the sportsperson is hanging from the third beam, an extension to the third beam may be required. The extension can be a fourth beam connected with the third beam that increases the reach over the apparatus. The fourth beam can be unfolded from the third beam as required. In some embodiments, in order to counter-balance the weight of the sportsperson hanging from the fourth beam, the fourth beam can comprise a forward part extending towards the direction of the sportsperson (from which part they will hang), and a backward part extending towards the direction away from the sportsperson to the rear of the apparatus. The backward part of the fourth beam can have a support arm that extends downward to the third beam for stability. The support arm can prevent the fourth beam from moving under the weight of the sportsperson once suspended. Additional counterweight can be provided by cables running from the rear end of the fourth beam and being secured to the base of the apparatus. The cable(s) can be rigid.

The extension provided by the fourth beam can allow for the suspension of a simulated opponent that can take increased impact forces when compared with a simulated opponent suspended from the third beam alone. Furthermore, due to the extension, the training area can be expanded to allow for different types of actions to be practiced. One type of action that could be practised where the training area is increased is a running tackle. In an embodiment, the forward part of the fourth beam is telescopically extendable and a simulated opponent can be suspended from the first remote end. Due to the impact expected when the simulated opponent is met with the force of the sportsperson, cables can be connected to the rear of the fourth beam (second remote end) connecting to the base of the apparatus and or to the carriage (preferably the base since it is fixed). In some embodiments, the base of the apparatus may be required to be bolted to the ground for additional structural stability. The cable(s) can extend along the length of the fourth beam and then pass over a pulley located towards the first remote end) before reaching the simulated opponent. A drop of cable of about 500, 600 or 700 mm can be established between the pulley and the simulated opponent. The pulley can be mounted in a rail on the fourth beam. The rail can allow the pulley to slide along the length of the fourth beam in a forward direction towards the first remote end and in a backwards direction away from the first remote end. When the sportsperson runs towards the simulated opponent and applies force to the simulated opponent, the pulley can be pushed along the rail of the fourth beam in the direction of the applied force. Movement of the pulley allows slack in the cable to be such that the simulated opponent can contact the floor (usually with the sportsperson on top of it).

The apparatus can be modular. The user can obtain a basic form of the apparatus and then add modules such as different simulated opponents, or additional beams. The modular nature of the apparatus allows for additional parts to be added to the apparatus over time. For example, the user could obtain the apparatus with just the first, second and third beam and then later add the fourth beam as a module. The user could also obtain the apparatus for sports training use and later adapt it for rehabilitation use by obtaining modules that allow that use to be effected. In embodiments, the support structure is “demountable” to form the basis for different applications namely boxing, recovery, football and rugby tackling training.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are not drawn to scale and which are exemplary only and in which:

FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b are perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 a to d shows various close-up views of the rail of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a view of a part of the support structure (some components not shown).

FIG. 6 is a mount for a simulated opponent.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment showing the sportsman.

FIG. 8 is an alternative position of the simulated opponent.

FIG. 9 shows the first and second positions of the apparatus relative to the sportsperson.

FIG. 10 shows the sportsperson tethered to the apparatus.

FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment in which the first beam is telescopic, and the third beam is in two parts.

FIG. 12 is the embodiment of FIG. 11 showing how the first beam can be pivotable to change the height of the simulated opponent.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the apparatus folded when not in use.

FIG. 14 is an embodiment in which the first beam is tiltable.

FIG. 15 is an embodiment in which the sportsperson can be suspended from a fourth beam.

FIG. 16 is an embodiment in which a simulated opponent (e.g. punching bag) can be suspended from a fourth beam with a pulley system.

FIG. 17 a shows a pre-tackle side view schematic of the apparatus of FIG. 16 . FIG. 17 b a post-tackle side view schematic of the apparatus of FIG. 16 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a training apparatus 10 for use in training a sportsperson 100. The apparatus 10 comprises a pair of elongate rails 14 defining a training space T therebetween. The width of the training space T can be seen in e.g. FIG. 1 marked by a dotted line. The training space T is an area into which the sportsperson 100 can move during engagement with the apparatus 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the training space T is 1.4 m in width to allow for the insertion of a mat (not shown).

As can be seen in FIG. 4 , in order to provide sliding movement along the rail 14, each rail portion 114 is associated with a carriage 115. The carriage 115 has more than one carriage part (e.g. 115, 115′). The carriage 115 is configured to work with the rail 114 to provide optimum movement with as little friction as possible. Each carriage 115 is coupled with a bar 14′ that slides with the carriage 115 in use. The bar 14′ can provide a flat surface on to which other structures can be attached. In the Figures rails 14 are labelled but it should be understood bar 14′ may be the item that is seen as part of the rail 14.

At least one support structure 110 (comprising 14′, 16, 16′, 18, 20 and so on) engages with the pair of elongate rails 14. The support structure 110 is associated with the rails 14 so that upon movement of the carriage 115 along each rail part 114, the support structure 110 is also movable. The support structure 110 is attached to the bar 14′ that is coupled with the carriage 115. The first bar 14′ supported by the first rail 14 can be connected to the second bar 14″ supported by the second rail 14. The connection is by two joists 16, 16′. Once the first and second bars 14, 14″ are connected by the one or more joists, the whole structure 110 moves along the rails 14.

The simulated opponent 12 is shown in FIG. 1 as a mannequin 12. In FIG. 2 , the simulated opponent 12 is a punchbag 12. In FIG. 3 , the simulated opponent is a series of focus mitts 112 arranged on a stand 13. In FIG. 7 , in which the simulated opponent 12 is a mannequin 12 it is shown at about the height of the sportsperson 100.

The support beam 22 extending upwardly from the support structure is intended to allow for mounting of the simulated opponent 12. The mounting may be adjustable for the reasons outlined above.

For opponent bodies 12 mounted from below (e.g. FIG. 1 ), the support beam 22 comprises a first beam 18 connected with the joists 16, 16′. The first beam 18 is arranged substantially parallel with the elongate rail portions 16, 16′. The first beam 18 has a first end 118 at towards rear of the apparatus 10 and a second end 118′ towards the front of the apparatus 10 (the second end 118′ being the end closest to the sportsperson 100 in use (refer FIG. 7 )). A second beam 22 is attached at the second end 118′ of the first beam 18. The second beam 22 is substantially perpendicular (vertically) to the horizontal first beam 18. The second beam 22 perpendicular to the first beam 18 has bracing 20 to provide additional reinforcement for impact (e.g. FIGS. 1 to 10 ). In some embodiments (FIGS. 11 to 14 ), the bracing 20 can be in the form of support arms 21 which extend to the rails 14. The second beam 22 can have a mount 24 onto which the simulated opponent 12 can be mounted. The mount 24 includes a spring that allows the simulated opponent 12 to have some bounce back when impact is applied to it.

For simulated opponents 12 mounted from above (e.g. FIG. 2 ), the support beam 22 comprise a first beam 18 connected with the joists 16, 16′ but arranged substantially parallel with the elongate rail portions. A third beam 25 can be attached to the first end 118 of the first beam 18. The third beam 25 can be disposed at an angle from the first end 118 in the direction towards the sportsperson 100 in use. The third beam 25 is at an angle such as a 45 degree angle, with its weight supported by the first beam 18 and optionally second beam 22 once it is located in position. Support from the second beam 22 can be seen in e.g. FIG. 2 . A free end of the third beam 25 remote from the attachment point to the first beam can be used to suspend a simulated opponent such as a punch bag 12. The hanging point for the simulated opponent 12 allows the bag to move freely and swing when impact is applied. The height of the third beam can be adjusted by lengthening the support beams.

The third beam 25 can be in one whole part as shown in e.g. FIG. 2 . The third beam can be provided in two or more parts hingedly connected with one another. When the third beam 25 is required for use, the beam can be unfolded about the hinge(s) into the fully extended position. The hinged folding of the third beam 25 can be an advantage for storage of the apparatus when not in use.

In an embodiment, the first beam 18 is pivotable about the first end 118. This can be useful where the elevation of the simulated opponent 12 is required to be adjustable. By pivoting about a pivot point P at the first end 118, the simulated opponent 12 can be raised or lowered as shown in FIG. 12 . Once at the desired height, the simulated opponent 12 can be locked into position using e.g. a locking pin passing through apertures in mated poles, or other known fixing method.

The first beam 18 can also be telescopic which can allow for some adjustability in the distance that the simulated opponent 12 extend forward of the rails 14. This is shown in e.g. FIG. 11 where part 18 a is telescopically receivable into part 18 b. A telescopic first beam 18 a, 18 b also provides for some advantages in storage since the beam 18 can be reduced in size when the apparatus 10 is not being used. In an embodiment, the first beam 10 is also tiltable to adjust the angle at which the simulated opponent 12 is mounted. This is shown in FIG. 14 . Typically, the simulated opponent is vertical (0 degrees). However, the tilt can allow for a e.g. 10 degree tilt from vertical.

In an upright position, when the simulated opponent 12 is mounted from below, the sportsperson can punch and kick the simulated opponent or otherwise apply force to it. Upon the application of force, the simulated opponent will move, in the direction of the applied force which is typically away from the sportsperson 100. The simulated opponent 12 will start to move, the second beam 22 will start to move, the first beam 18 will start to move, the joists 16, 16′ will start to move and then the bars 14, 14′ mounted by carriages 115 to the elongate rails 14 will start to move. The consequence is that the carriages 115 will slide along the rails 14. What the sportsperson 100 experiences is that upon application of force, the simulated opponent 12 moves away from them in the direction shown by the arrow.

Once the apparatus 10 has slid away from the sportsperson 100 in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 1 , the sportsperson 100 can grab the apparatus 10 (optionally grab the simulated opponent 12) and pull it back towards themselves to start the process over. In some instances, there will be some bounce back of the apparatus once it reaches the terminal point TP at the end of the elongate rails, it will naturally slide back towards the sportsperson 100.

Upon application of force from the sportsperson 100 the support structure 14′, 16, 16′, 18, 20 is movable along the rails 14, 14′ from a first position closest to the sportsperson 100 to a second position away from the sportsperson (refer FIG. 9 ). The support structure is biased to return to the first position by elastic tether 26. The bias of the tether 26 causes the support structure to slide back along the rails to the first position. In FIG. 9 , the elastic tether 26 is shown attached towards the rear of the support structure (A) and towards the front of the rail or rails (B). Upon application of force by the sportsperson 100, the elastic tether is elongated and under stress as the tether stretches. As the stressed elastic forces are released, the tether returns to its original length and as it does so it pulls the support structure back along the rails and towards the sportsperson 100.

In some embodiments the sportsperson 100 can be attached to the simulated opponent 12 by a tether (28) As the simulated opponent slides away from the sportsperson 100, there is a stop instigated by the tether 28. The tether 28 length is adjustable. The tether 28 is shown attached to the sportsperson 100 around their waist.

In embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , the simulated opponent 12 is shown in a second position which is a laying down position. When the simulated opponent 12 is in the laying down position, the simulated opponent can be used to simulate how to scrummage with another person.

To further simulate movement of the simulated opponent and or to assist in rehabilitation of the sportsperson 100, the sportsperson 100 can be attached to the apparatus 10 (FIG. 15 ). The sportsperson 100 can be suspended from the third beam 25 of apparatus 10 (see FIG. 2B) or from a fourth beam 40 (see FIG. 15 ). A ratchetted cable system 30 can be used to suspend the sportsperson 100 wearing harness 32. Once in position, the sportsperson 100 can use the apparatus 10 as described herein. The height of the apparatus can be adjustable to accommodate different heights of users are required. In some embodiments, for additional stability, the beam from which the sportsperson is suspended (i.e. the third or fourth beam) can be fixed to the ceiling or some other upper structure.

In embodiments in which the sportsperson is hanging from the third beam 25, an extension to the third beam may be required. The extension can be a fourth beam 40 connected with the third beam 25 that increases the reach over the apparatus 10. The fourth beam 40 can be unfolded from the third beam 25 as required. In some embodiments, in order to counter-balance the weight of the sportsperson hanging from the fourth beam 40, the fourth beam 40 can comprise a forward part 40 b extending towards the direction of the sportsperson 100 (from which part they will hang), and a backward part 40 a extending towards the direction away from the sportsperson 100 to the rear of the apparatus 10. The backward part 40 a of the fourth beam 40 can have a support arm 42 that extends downward to the third beam 25 for stability. The support arm (or arms) 42 can help to prevent the fourth beam 40 from moving under the weight of the sportsperson 100 once suspended. Additional counterweight can be provided by cables 44 running from the rear end of the backward part 40 a of the fourth beam 40 and being secured to the base of the apparatus 10. The cable(s) 44 can be rigid.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the extension provided by the fourth beam 40 can allow for the suspension of a simulated opponent 12 that can take increased impact forces when compared with a simulated opponent suspended 12 from the third beam 25 alone. Furthermore, due to the extension, the training area can be expanded to allow for different types of actions to be practiced. One type of action that could be practised where the training area is increased is a running tackle. In an embodiment, the forward part 40 b of the fourth beam 40 is telescopically extendable by beam part 40 c and a simulated opponent 12 can be suspended from the first remote end. Due to the impact expected when the simulated opponent 12 is met with the force of the sportsperson 100, cables 44 can be connected to the rear of the fourth beam 40 a (second remote end) connecting to the base of the apparatus 10 and or to the carriage 110 (preferably the base since it is fixed). In some embodiments, the base of the apparatus 10 may be required to be bolted to the ground for additional structural stability. The cable(s) 44 can extend along the length of the fourth beam 40 and then pass over a pulley 46 located towards the first remote end) before reaching the simulated opponent 12. A drop of cable of about 500, 600 or 700 mm can be established between the pulley 46 and the simulated opponent 12. The pulley 46 can be mounted in a rail on the fourth beam 40. The rail can allow the pulley 46 to slide along the length of the fourth beam 40 in a forward direction towards the first remote end and in a backwards direction away from the first remote end. When the sportsperson 100 runs towards the simulated opponent and applies force to the simulated opponent 12, the pulley 46 can be pushed along the rail of the fourth beam 40 in the direction of the applied force. Movement of the pulley 46 allows slack in the cable 44 to be such that the simulated opponent 12 can contact the floor (usually with the sportsperson 100 on top of it).

FIG. 17 a shows a pre-tackle side view schematic of the apparatus of FIG. 16 . FIG. 17 b a post-tackle side view schematic of the apparatus of FIG. 16 . The cable retractor 54 allows for movement of the cable upon impact with the simulated opponent punchbag 12. The change of the cable length 52 from pre-tackle to post-tackle can be about 2.3 meters. The change in the retractor cable length 54 from pre-tackle to post tackle can be about 3 m.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any promises made in the present description should be understood to relate to some embodiments of the invention and are not intended to be promises made about the invention as a whole. Where there are promises that are deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant/patentee reserves the right to later delete them from the description and does not rely on these promises for the acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent in any country. 

1. A training apparatus for use in training a sportsperson, the apparatus comprising: a pair of elongate rails defining a training space therebetween; at least one support structure engaged with the pair of elongate rails and slidable along the rails in both directions towards the sportsperson in use and away from the sportsperson in use through the training space; the support structure comprising a support beam extending upwardly from the support structure; and a simulated opponent attached to the support beam for the sportsperson to engage with in use, the simulated opponent movable along the rails at least upon force being applied by the sportsperson in use.
 2. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein upon application of force from the sports person the support structure is movable along the rails from a first position to a second position and further wherein the support structure is biased to return to the first position.
 3. The training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support structure is biased to return to the first position by means of an elastic tether.
 4. The training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the elastic tether is attached towards the rear of the support structure and towards the front of at least one the elongate rails, the elastic tether being elongatable upon application of force from the sportsperson.
 5. The training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the elastic tether is attached at one end to the support structure and at another end to the sportsperson, the elastic tether being elongatable upon application of force from the sportsperson.
 6. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises at least one joist straddling the elongate rails, and wherein the support beam extending upwardly from the support structure comprises a first beam and a second beam, the first beam having a first end towards rear of the apparatus and a second end towards the front of the apparatus, the second end being the end closest to the sportsperson in use, the first beam being supported by the at least one joist and arranged substantially horizontally parallel with the elongate rail portions; the second beam being attached perpendicularly and arranged vertically with respect to the first beam.
 7. The training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a third beam is attached to the first end of the first beam and optionally supported by the second beam, the third beam being for suspending the sportsperson or the simulated opponent in use.
 8. The training apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a fourth beam is provided on the third beam for suspending the sportsperson or the simulated opponent in use.
 9. The training apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the sportsperson or the simulated opponent is suspended by a cable associated with the fourth beam, the cable passing through a pulley mounted in a rail on the fourth beam.
 10. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the simulated opponent is a mannequin.
 11. The training apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second beam comprises a mount onto which the simulated opponent is mounted, wherein mount is pivotable so as to provide at least an upright position (vertical) for the mannequin and a laying flat position (horizontal) for the mannequin.
 12. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the simulated opponent is a punchbag or one or more focus mitts mounted in a frame.
 13. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second beam comprises a mount onto which the simulated opponent is mounted, wherein the mount includes a spring that allows the simulated opponent to have some bounce back when impact is applied to it.
 14. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first beam is telescopic and or tiltable to change the position of the simulated opponent relative to the sportsperson.
 15. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is mounted on each rail respectively by at least one carriage each of which smoothly slide along each rail in use to provide the movement.
 16. A method of training or rehabilitating a sportsperson comprising tethering the sportsperson to a training apparatus according to claim
 1. 17. A method of training or rehabilitating a sportsperson comprising suspending the sportsperson from a training apparatus according to claim
 1. 18. The training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support structure comprises at least one joist straddling the elongate rails, and wherein the support beam extending upwardly from the support structure comprises a first beam and a second beam, the first beam having a first end towards rear of the apparatus and a second end towards the front of the apparatus, the second end being the end closest to the sportsperson in use, the first beam being supported by the at least one joist and arranged substantially horizontally parallel with the elongate rail portions; the second beam being attached perpendicularly and arranged vertically with respect to the first beam.
 19. The training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the simulated opponent is a punchbag or one or more focus mitts mounted in a frame.
 20. The training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second beam comprises a mount onto which the simulated opponent is mounted, wherein the mount includes a spring that allows the simulated opponent to have some bounce back when impact is applied to it. 